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Pharmaceutics
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Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles: Innovative Designs for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy...
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Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles: Innovative Designs for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy in Cancer and Bacterial Infections—Preclinical Evaluation and Beyond

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 1063

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luis Ibarra

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS), National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) and National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC), Rio Cuarto, Argentina
Interests: nanomedicine; cell therapy; tumor microenvironment; photodynamic therapy; cell targeting
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue delves into the cutting-edge advancements made in utilizing conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in the treatment of both cancer and bacterial infections. Highlighting innovative designs and preclinical evaluations, this Special Issue aims to explore the synergy between CPNs' unique properties and their application in combating these formidable diseases. With a focus on novel CPN formulations, surface modifications, and targeting strategies, this Special Issue aims to shed light on the development of highly effective therapeutic modalities. Furthermore, by providing comprehensive preclinical evaluations, including efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic profiles, this Special Issue aims to bridge the translational gap between bench and bedside, paving the way for future clinical translation. This interdisciplinary exploration not only underscores the potential of CPNs as versatile theranostic agents but also elucidates their promising role in addressing the growing challenges posed by cancer and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Dr. Luis Ibarra
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • conjugated polymer nanoparticles
  • organic semiconducting materials
  • biomedical application
  • drug delivery
  • preclinical evaluation
  • antimicrobial nanoparticles
  • antitumoral nanoparticles

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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24 pages, 7003 KiB  
Article
Preclinical Toxicological Characterization of Porphyrin-Doped Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Therapy
by Matías Daniel Caverzan, Ana Belén Morales Vasconsuelo, Laura Cerchia, Rodrigo Emiliano Palacios, Carlos Alberto Chesta and Luis Exequiel Ibarra
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(5), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17050593 - 1 May 2025
Viewed by 145
Abstract
Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing nano-based photosensitizers (PSs) offers promising cancer treatment potential but requires rigorous safety evaluation. Conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) doped with porphyrins, such as platinum porphyrin–doped poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT), exhibit enhanced photodynamic efficiency but lack comprehensive preclinical toxicity data. This study [...] Read more.
Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing nano-based photosensitizers (PSs) offers promising cancer treatment potential but requires rigorous safety evaluation. Conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) doped with porphyrins, such as platinum porphyrin–doped poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT), exhibit enhanced photodynamic efficiency but lack comprehensive preclinical toxicity data. This study aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility, biodistribution, and acute/subacute toxicity of these CPNs to establish their safety profile for clinical translation. Methods: CPNs were synthesized via nanoprecipitation using amphiphilic stabilizers (PSMA or PS-PEG-COOH) and characterized for colloidal stability in parenteral solutions. Hemolysis assays were used to assess blood compatibility. Single-dose (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, intravenous) and repeated-dose (0.1–1 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, every 48 h for 28 days) toxicity studies were conducted in BALB/c mice. Hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and biodistribution analyses (via ICP-MS) were performed to evaluate systemic and organ-specific effects. Results: CPNs demonstrated excellent colloidal stability in 5% dextrose, with minimal aggregation. No hemolytic activity was observed at concentrations up to 50 mg/L. Single and repeated administrations revealed no significant changes in body/organ weights, hematological parameters (except transient fibrinogen elevation), or liver/kidney function markers (ALT, AST, BUN, Cr). Histopathology showed preserved tissue architecture in major organs, with mild hepatocyte vacuolation at 30 days. Biodistribution indicated hepatic/splenic accumulation and rapid blood clearance, suggesting hepatobiliary elimination. Conclusions: Platinum porphyrin–doped F8BT CPNs exhibited minimal acute and subacute toxicity, favorable biocompatibility, and no systemic adverse effects in murine models. These findings support their potential as safe PS candidates for PDT. However, chronic toxicity studies are warranted to address long-term organ accumulation and metabolic impacts. This preclinical evaluation provides a critical foundation for advancing CPNs toward clinical applications in oncology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles: Innovative Designs for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy in Cancer and Bacterial Infections—Preclinical Evaluation and Beyond)
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15 pages, 2644 KiB  
Article
Harnessing Silver Nanoclusters to Combat Staphylococcus aureus in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance
by Julieta Chiappero, Gustavo A. Monti, Diego F. Acevedo, Natalia S. Paulucci and Edith I. Yslas
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(3), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17030393 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 461
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In the race to develop new antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly the ESKAPE pathogens which pose a significant threat to public health, silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) have emerged as a promising alternative. This article focuses on the potential of novel silver [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In the race to develop new antibiotics to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly the ESKAPE pathogens which pose a significant threat to public health, silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) have emerged as a promising alternative. This article focuses on the potential of novel silver nanoclusters as an antimicrobial agent against Staphylococcus aureus, a high-priority pathogen known for its ability to cause persistent nosocomial infections and develop protective biofilms. Methods: In this study, we successfully synthesized AgNCs at pH 7 using an eco-friendly photoreduction method with poly acrylic acid (PAA) and poly methacrylic acid (PMAA) as stabilizers. This methodology produced fluorescent AgNCs, demonstrating their stability in aqueous solutions for at least three months and highlighting the effectiveness of PAA and PMAA as stabilizing agents. The AgNCs were incubated with S. aureus suspension, and the antimicrobial capability at different concentrations and times of incubation were determined. Also, the AgNCs hemocompatibility was studied by exposing the clusters to rat blood cells. Results: The in vitro assays revealed that AgNCs capping with PAA or PMAA has antimicrobial activity in low doses (the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 0.2 µg/mL, and the determination of minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC): 2 µg/mL) and without cytotoxicity (hemolysis less than 10%) to rat blood cells until 1 µg/mL. In the presence of both AgNCs (5 µg/mL), bacterial growth was completely inhibited within just 3 h. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the potential of silver nanoclusters as effective antimicrobial agents against S. aureus. Their stability, low toxicity, and rapid bactericidal activity make them promising candidates for further development in antimicrobial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles: Innovative Designs for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapy in Cancer and Bacterial Infections—Preclinical Evaluation and Beyond)
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